Khyber Pass

Our buses negotiating bends through the Pass

View of the Pass from Pakistani side. The end of the right foothill marked the boundary between Afghanistan and Pakistan (Durand Line)

View of the Pass from Machini Fort. Countless numbers of vehicles plied the route daily. The Pass is the main communication line between Indian sub-continent to the Central Asian Republics and beyond. Traffic jam is a common sight. Notice the railway tunnel at the top part of the photo. The rail was laid down by the British in 1932. At the height of War against the Soviets, the line was extensively used to transport arms and ammunitions to the Mujahideens fighting in Afghanistan. Now, due to poor maintenance and sabotage, it is no more in use

The narrowest part of Khyber Pass (bottom part). It is so narrow that in the old days this part of the pass is only passable by camels. Now it has been widened to about 30 meters and work is ongoing to further widen it (top part). This place is called Ali Masjid

The "Khyber Rifles"

One of the riflemen manning the fort. Khyber Rifles officers and men are seconded from regular Pakistan Army

Two riflemen on hoseback guarding the fort

Fort Machini, home of the "Khyber Riffles". Built by the British during the two Afghan Wars of 19th century. It is strategically located at 3,500 feet overlooking the Afghan side of the Durand Line

Tribal Dance..Men only

Betani Tribe - Fond of doing 360 degrees with their bodies and their heads.

Mahsud Tribe. Unique dance routine using rifles. They actually fired the rifles during their routine.

Khattak Tribe. Famous khattak dance, a high octane routine using the swords. This tribe is hardy and brave warriors.

Bar-B-Q a la Peshawar

Making "Chapli Kebab". Minced mutton meat mixed with spices and "masala" and shallow fried in a big pan. The burger-like kebab is actually shaped in the pan (with hot oil!!). The man said he used Palm Oil from Malaysia, but I noticed the cooking oil used is already dark - more like an "engine oil" (yuck!!)

At the same restaurant, musicians playing local favourites. Notice the musician on the left is using earthenware and a wok for his instruments. I guess, when the restaurant has a large crowd he has to surrender his instruments - when it will be used for cooking.

Phone Cards

Phone Cards - Top Left is Call Mate, at bottom is Big Time and at right is actaully pre-paid Mobilink Jazz, for my handphone. Phone cards costing Rp 500 (abour RM 30), can last me almost 2 hours of talking time to KL. Murah aje..

Kadam

Kadam Erfan - Doing what he knows best; polishing shoes.

Thanksgiving

Having thanksgiving meal at my american colleague's house. We have the traditional turkey, complete with stuffing.

Eid Adha

Breakfast - Chok Kodok Bilis fried to perfection - crispy golden brown, with a mug of our national drink, the Teh-tarik. Must be mindful to take the teh-tarik only in moderation.






Our boys and girls enjoying the Eid Adha kenduri. Nasi minyak with gulai kawah, masak opor and sambal. Hmm... very sedap.

Side by Side

This photograph was taken at the busy G9 Square Islamabad.

It showed the Jeweller store side by side with a meat shop. Not a good idea, but many of odd things like this do happen in Islamabad. On the table beside the butcer, one can see rows of butchered goat heads!!